We’re excited to share that Colorado House Bill 25-1285 was officially signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on May 30, 2025. Effective January 1, 2026, HB25-1285 will establish a clear and safe framework for integrating the VPA role, ensuring consumer protection, animal health and safety and the effective inclusion of the VPA in the veterinary workforce.
The CVMA played an active role in supporting HB25-1285 from inception through this final stage of becoming law. By engaging with legislators, providing expert testimony, and mobilizing member voices, CVMA helped ensure the bill’s successful passage. We thank, you, our members for their ongoing support and advocacy—your involvement continues to make a meaningful impact for veterinary medicine in Colorado.
EFFECTIVE
January 1, 2026
HB25-1285 at a Glance
HB25-1285 provides essential statutory authority for the regulation of the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), a new veterinary role created by Proposition 129. The law ensures that VPAs are competent, appropriately supervised, and clearly accountable—supporting high standards of veterinary care and protecting animal and public welfare in Colorado.
Key Provisions of HB25-1285
1. Competence
- Approval of an independent accrediting body for the CSU Master of Veterinary Clinical Care program by 2033
- Approval of an entity to provide national competency examination for VPAs
- Approval of an independent veterinary entity to credential VPA candidates for registration
- Continuing education requirements aligned with those for DVMs, VTSs, and RVTs
2. Supervision
- State Board of Veterinary Medicine (SBVM) will define levels of supervision (immediate, direct, indirect) of a VPA by a licensed veterinarian
- Requirement for a signed agreement between the veterinarian and VPA (similar to human medicine PAs)
- Limits number of VPAs that a veterinarian can supervise
- Voluntary participation for DVMs and VPAs in supervisory agreement
3. Consumer Protection Measures
- Responsibility and accountability of the licensed, supervising veterinarian for the acts and omissions of the VPA
- Allows SBVM to consider creation of an equivalent registration pathway to provide VPA eligibility for qualified individuals
- Identification of the VPA to clients through introduction and name badge
Why This Legislation Matters
The bill supports the State Board of Veterinary Medicine’s (SBVM) mission by ensuring proper oversight of this new profession, maintaining public safety and high standards in veterinary practice. HB25-1285 is necessary to implement Proposition 129 and adopt enforceable rules before the January 1, 2026 deadline.
Related Legislation
Make a donation to the CVMA PAC, and let’s continue to advocate for a future where veterinary medicine in Colorado can flourish. Together, we can protect and advance our profession for the benefit of all.
Note: Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) acknowledges that state law impacting veterinary medicine is implemented/regulated by the Colorado State Veterinary Board of Medicine. Information stated within this blog post regarding HB25-1285 is not verbatim legislative text and is provided as educational, interpretive material only.
